Gerhard Woelke

1939 - 2021

Gerhard Paul Woelke
September 21, 1939 - July 29, 2021

Gerhard Paul Woelke passed away peacefully at California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco on July 29, 2021 from the effects of pancreatic cancer. He is survived by a niece, a nephew and 2 grand nieces in Germany.

He was born on September 21,1939 in Danzig, Germany and later moved with his family to Hamburg. As a young man, Gerhard worked for a travel agency in Germany and soon acquired a love for travel. In 1969, his travels brought him to the United States where he accepted a position as a ticket agent in Los Angeles with Lufthansa German Airlines and later transferred to the San Francisco office as a sales representative. He was very proud of his affiliation with the airline and often introduced himself, "Hi, I'm Gerhard and I work for Lufthansa."

Gerhard loved San Francisco. He truly left his heart in San Francisco and became so familiar with the city that his friends said he could give tours.

Always upbeat with a positive view of life, he developed friendships with people all over the globe. His travel log indicated he had been to 66 countries. Wherever Gerhard traveled, he fell in love with people and the people with him.

He loved celebrations and traditions. Every January 1 he walked across the Golden Gate Bridge to begin the new year. He loved hiking around San Francisco and Marin. He was very diligent and caring in remembering big events in other people's lives like birthdays and anniversaries.

Gerhard lost several friends to AIDS. He memorialized them by raising funds to fight AIDS and participated in nearly 30 San Francisco AIDS Walks. He was able to raise enough funds that he often attained Star Walker status and had numerous friends join him on the walk through the years.

Gerhard loved food and was particular about what he ate. Naturally he loved German food but his tastes were international. Dahlmayer coffee was a must to start each day.

He was not a sports fan except when the World Cup was played and he closely followed Germany's Mannschaft.

Culture and classical music played an important role in his life. He volunteered as an usher at the San Francisco Playhouse and San Francisco Opera, where he also provided coffee service to opera performers and staff. He also enjoyed watching ballet performances. His radio was always tuned to classical radio KDFC.

The kindness and caring of this man will not be forgotten. A celebration of life will be held in the near future.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the San Francisco Playhouse are appreciated.